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Chapter 4
“Not even a kiss goodnight? You’ve got to be kidding me,” Vickie said. “What type of guy takes a woman out on a date like that and gives not even a peck on the cheek.”
“Vickie, how many times do I need to tell you? It wasn’t a date. He just needed a companion to attend the event.” She still didn’t understand why. It wasn’t as though he was shy or insecure. And at no point did he need her for anything. Even this research project was questionable now. Probably a picture of his family.
“Gia, are you forgetting I was watching from your apartment window last night? Maybe you should try living a bit; quit looking for what’s wrong and start seeing what’s right. The guy is drop-dead gorgeous. There is no way he’s struggling for a companion. I bet there are women lined up drooling over him.”
That wasn’t making her feel any better. “Vickie, I was only calling to say thank you for loaning me the dress. Not for a lecture.”
“Why don’t you take the train and I’ll pick you up. We can spend the day together.”
“So you can tell me in person what I don’t want to hear over the phone?” Gia asked.
“That’s not funny. We’re best friends, and I only want you to be happy.”
“I know, and if I didn’t have plans, I might actually take you up on the invitation.”
Vickie’s tone was high-pitched. “You mean you’re seeing him again today? I knew it.”
With a sigh, Gia replied, “I’m meeting someone for lunch and also turning in my résumé to HR.”
“Yeah right.”
“Why would I lie?”
“You tell me. It’s Sunday. Who is working in HR? No one, that’s who,” Vickie stated sarcastically.
Gia couldn’t believe she hadn’t thought of that. Lena seemed so sincere about helping her. Had she only been kind, hoping Gia wouldn’t show? Nothing about Lena felt . . . fake.
“I’m sure there was a misunderstanding. We are supposed to do lunch today. Maybe HR is tomorrow or she’s going to take it in herself.” Or it’s going in the trash. It was ridiculous to think one brief meeting was going to change her life forever.
“Gia, you don’t need to do this. Why don’t you just move back to Maplesville? You could save money and, in a few years, try the big city again.”
Although they were friends, Vickie didn’t understand how Gia felt any more than her family did. She didn’t want to be in a small town. She wanted the challenges the city brought. Yes there were times it was too loud and crowded, but she was never bored. There was always something to do. Usually work related, but still, she was busy, and Gia loved that.
“Vickie, you know I can’t go back there.”
“Can’t or don’t want to?” Vickie asked.
“A little of both. But I promise, if this doesn’t work out, I’ll go home. Not for good, but until I can sort a few things out.”
Vickie huffed. “That sucks.”
“What does?”
“I have no idea if I’m supposed to wish you luck or not anymore. I miss having you close by.”
“Vickie, you make it seem like I’m on the other side of the world instead of an hour or two away.”
“Usually you’re working. I was hoping since you lost your job we might get to spend some time together. You know, maybe take a trip to the beach and catch some rays. When I saw you yesterday, it looked like you haven’t seen the sun in months.”
“It’s the brown hair. You’re used to seeing me as a blonde.” She had dyed it because her boss told her she’d be taken more seriously as a brunette. Now, she’s regretting changing anything about herself for that jerk. “I’m thinking of changing it back.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re going to do it yourself. Last time your hair turned orange.”
Gia laughed. “That really didn’t look good on me either. Okay. I will come see you soon and you can do my hair.” When Vickie wasn’t in a play, she worked as a licensed hair stylist. But she practiced in Maplesville. If she took her talents to Boston or New York, she’d make a boatload of money. And she actually might get noticed and land a movie role.
But like Gia, Vickie was pigheaded and didn’t want to hear it. Thankfully they loved, respected, and encouraged each other in their choices.
